Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate

Despite the fact that chocolate is loaded with calories and can lead to weight gain, a myriad of studies prove the health benefits of indulging in this dark delight. According to a survey, about 4.5 kilograms of chocolate are consumed by an American on an annual basis. 

These health benefits have been confirmed in the wake of the discovery of valuable polyphenols inside cocoa. Phenolic compounds within chocolate possess potent anti-oxidant action, making them ideal agents for combating oxidative stress and various health conditions associated with it including premature skin aging and atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque inside the blood vessels causing their lumen to narrow). 

Some of the scientifically proven benefits of eating moderate amounts of chocolate everyday include

• Lowering Of Cholesterol Levels

Eating chocolate has been associated with a reduction in the level of the harmful cholesterols, particularly the very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) which are notorious for increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

In one of the recent studies, the results of which were published in in The Journal of Nutrition, it was established that consumption of chocolate containing plant sterols (PS) and cocoa flavanols (CF) has significant effects on the circulating levels of VLDL cholesterol within the body. 

Therefore, consumption of chocolate can work wonders to lower the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases by preventing the deposition of cholesterol within the wall of blood vessels. 

READ How New Yeast Species Can Make Your Chocolate Taste Even Better

• Prevents Memory Deficit

Chocolate can prevent memory decline by enhancing blood flow to the areas of the brain that are involved in memory function, particularly hippocampus. These facts were established during a study done by researchers from Harvard Medical School that was led by Farzaneh A. Sorond. 

The investigators reported that through a process known as neurovascular coupling, the compounds within chocolate cause increased amount of blood to be diverted towards the brain areas that are more active. In this way, it can prevent the memory deficit associated with the Alzheimer’s disease. 

Another study published in 2014 reported that lavado, one of the cocoa extracts might reduce the nerve damage found in the patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease thereby preserving memory and other cognitive functions that decline with age. 

• Low Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases

By preventing the narrowing of blood vessels via inhibition of plaque deposition, chocolate helps reduce the odds of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attack. 

In one of the studies carried out in 2015, the results of which were subsequently published in the journal Heart, a follow-up of 25,000 men and women was done and it was demonstrated that people who ate an average of 100 grams of chocolate everyday were less likely to have heart problems. 

READ Is Chocolate A Healthy Food For Our Heart?

• Decreased Stroke Risk

 During one of the studies carried out on 44,489 Canadian people, it was found that people who ate chocolate daily were 22 times less likely to develop stroke. Among the study subjects with previous history of stroke who consumed chocolate on a daily basis, there was found a 46% less risk of stroke recurrence. 

With a wide range of health benefits, consumption of chocolate in low quantities is now regarded as an important preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke.